Canary Foundation Luncheon with Kris Carr

I had no idea the day I had in store when I arrived at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, Ca on this beautiful day, February 2, 2011. I knew I was going to be with good people, generously contributing to raise money for the foundation's sole cause, early detection of cancer.  I even ran into a great friend at the event, but I didn't know who was the guest of honor and being interviewed by Janice Edwards of Bay Area Vista. It was non other than Kris Carr! To be honest, I didn't really know who she was, I mean, it didn't "click" "till later. I know, sad. After shooting detail shots for a while I needed a water break, grabbed a glass of pellegrino, and headed to the room where I had my gear and purse. She was in there. Just the two of us. I said "water break!" She said "that's a good idea" and I walked out! Hello? Cass? Are you aware, or so focused on your work, maybe, that you failed to connect and say hi?! Geez! No matter. That was enough of a "hi" for now :) 

To put it simply, she is awesome. I wish everyone I know and love could have heard what she had to say. Actually you can, just hit up her website: http://crazysexylife.com/ 

She is a crazy sexy cancer survivor and she did it through her diet: what she eats: with her mouth, heart and mind. She was there for an interview and book signing. Her most popular, making New York Times Best Seller list Crazy Sexy Diet. If you don't have a copy, GET ONE! It can only change your life for the better. 1 in 3 women will have cancer in this country. That's a lot! She was there supporting early detection, but emphasizing prevention. I heard her loud and clear. I'm proud and amazed to share that the next day I took Ava to Whole Foods Market, ordered a "basic green" smoothie, which is kale, frozen mango and coconut water. Ava stole it from me, drank more than half, and I couldn't help but say out loud to onlookers "my daughter is drinking kale!". No joke, it was yummy! We've made it every day since Wednesday and daddy loves green smoothies too! 

Anyway, back to the event. Ashley Hurd from Eventful Events put on this event. The detail always makes me smile when I see it because I see beautiful photographs :) She is talented when it comes to an event coordinator. I'm glad to know her :)

Each place setting had one of the three books Kris has recently released. Everyone got to take one home, even me! :)

the menu, inspired by Kris' recipes: 

Salad Trio:

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Capers

Leafy Green Salad with Sweet Dijon Vinaigrette

Roasted Tomatoes with Pine Nut Spinach Pate and Young Dill

Grilled Salmon

Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup

Lemon Mousse Dessert

Among many guests were the scientists who work diligently to find ways of early detection. They are life savers. If you are interested in volunteering for a clinical trial click here. Sam Gambhir, director of The Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford University, announced an exciting new test that can be done to detect cancer early and make a huge difference in treatment and survival. It was amazing to see the images he presented. 

Below are more of the scientists devoted to this:

Guests enjoyed each others company and seemed deeply touched by Kris' interview.

She graciously signed books after the luncheon and talked with many

Don Litswin (below) is the founder of the Canary Foundation and also an inspiration.

And I just couldn't resit shots of his 17 month old daughter and wife. So pretty & so sweet.

It was such a great afternoon! Thanks to all for inviting me to be a part of this day! It was an honor!

Now, go check out Kris Car, buy a book and make a plant-based meal!

And smile :)

ps. if you'd like to donate to the Canary Foundation and become part of the solution click here! 

Emerge Global Event

What an amazing organization! I am in awe of Alia Whitney-Johnson, executive director of Emerge, and so grateful to Tabetha for thinking of me and asking me to be a part of this event in San Francisco's Martin Lawrence Gallery on Friday night. I left feeling so touched and inspired to know there are such wonderful people in the world. 

Emerge is a non-profit, based out of (my hometown) Boston, Ma. It all began when 19 year old, Alia, arrived in Sri Lanka to help with the tsunami relief efforts in 2005. Unexpectedly, what she found there were young female survivors of rape and incest, locked away, behind walls, who had to give birth to and care for their children in isolation, or choose to give them up for adoption. Alia connected with these women through the simple act of making jewelry with them. She guided them into seeing how beautiful their creations were, thus that beauty comes from within them! This fostered strength and belief in themselves to recover from poverty and pain, and for some, courage to fight to get their children back. (You can read a survivors story here.) Today, each woman has her own personal savings account, for which 50% of the profit of the jewelry they made, will be deposited into their account. The other 50% goes toward the organizations needs to continue. Alia visits these women in Sri Lanka regularly. Many are pursuing an education and have dreams of becoming nurses, building homes for themselves, educating their children, or starting their own businesses with the money in their savings. It's just amazingly inspiring. And the jewelry is so beautiful!

 Alia had beautiful pictures of her time in Sri Lanka with the girls making jewelry around the gallery. She made a touching and informative speech, educating all of us about the organization and how it works.

She left cards for people to read, written by the girls in Sri Lanka, telling us of their dreams and accomplishments and what the Emerge program means to them.

 The people there were giving, loving spirits. It was easy to capture that over the course of the evening.

 There were many important people there affiliated with Emerge. This is Alia (right), and Raffaela (left), Development Officer. They were wonderful hosts and put SO much thought into the event. It was wonderful!

Please consider supporting this organization. Even if you only donate $5, that goes a long way in Sri Lanka. I bought my sister's christmas presents, bracelets, that have a whole lot of hope and love in them. I can't think of a better gift. You can purchase jewelry online here, or donate here. You can even host a fundraising jewelry party in your home with your friends by contacting Alia. Tabetha and I are planning an Emerge party for our mama friends as we speak!

If nothing else, say a prayer for these women. They need the love.

Thank you.

The Canary Foundation Fundraiser

What an honor it was to photograph an event for such a great cause! For those of you who don't know, the Canary Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to the goal of identifying cancer early through a simple blood test and then isolating it with imaging. Partnered with Stanford and other institutions, progress is being made and lives are being saved. It's amazing! On Saturday, my photographer friend, Mike, and I drove up to Woodside, California to document the Canary Foundation's annual fundraiser. It was held on the estate of founder, Don Listwin. As you will see in the photographs, it was exquisite! Ashley Hurd, of Eventful Events went above and beyond to make this event stunning and enjoyable by all! When Mike and I arrived we both looked at each other and said "wow!" We got busy right away capturing the detail of all that went into making this happen. 

Guests arrived at 5:30 and were greeted with raspberry champagne cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and  a walk through the estate grounds...

Along the path were posters informing attendees of recent developments by the Canary Foundation and how it all works. There was a station of prayer flags where attendees could write a thought/prayer to someone they've lost to cancer. I wrote one for Gloria. Later the prayer flags were held up in a moment of silence to all that have lost the battle or are fighting it. 

Dinner was served at 7. Fine wine and fine food. Even a crepe station for dessert!

Before the auction began, all held candles in a moment of silence in memory of loved ones lost ...

People were easy going and enjoying each other's company throughout the evening. It was fun to capture the laughter and connecting. 

The Auction was amazing. Much generosity toward this foundation and much FUN had by all!

The evening ended with dancing! A great way to end a great event!